Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood was arguably one signature win away from his team returning to the College Football Playoff for the first time in two seasons.
They wound up finishing 9-3, concluding with a 27-9 regular-season finale loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in Ann Arbor. Although the Wolverines didn't qualify for a playoff berth, they feel comfortable sticking with Underwood for the foreseeable future as a bowl game against the Texas Longhorns (in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl) looms on New Year's Eve.
Coach Sherrone Moore met with reporters Monday to discuss key areas where he and the coaching staff want to see Underwood improve. This proposed plan also could mean the Wolverines modify their coaching staff for Underwood's benefit.
"[Michigan O.C.] Chip [Lindsey], he spends a lot of time with [Underwood], and yeah, that’s something we’re definitely looking at is bringing in other people to help, bringing in another quarterback coach,” Moore said.
Moore did not mention possible quarterback coaching candidates, but suggested along with the new hire and as a staff, they will do all they can to polish Underwood's skillet.
“It’s something we’re working diligently on, to get worked on," Moore said.
Even with the inevitable adjustment, Moore said Underwood is continuing to get more comfortable with the current staff Michigan has and it's only going to improve as he gets more comfortable in the system.
"We just have to continue as a whole offense, in the building, to make sure it’s the best for the players that we have, continue to work for it that way," Moore said. "I think we hit a lot of [Lindsey’s offense] and a lot of stuff that he’s done in the past we’ve done, whether it be tempos, whether it be the press tests, whether it be the pass game, whatever it was … but as you have a younger team, there’s less you can do with them, right?"
For now, though, getting ready to attempt to secure a 10th win is top priority for Michigan.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.